Tom O’Brien: Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey dies aged 39 | Racing News | Sky Sports
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Two-time Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey Tom O’Brien has passed away at the age of 39 following a lengthy battle with cancer; As a rider, O’Brien notched five Grade One successes before retiring in 2023.
Wednesday 11 November 2026 10:39, UK
Tom O’Brien has passed away, aged 39
Multiple Grade One-winning jockey Tom O’Brien has died at the age of 39.
O’Brien, who retired from the saddle in April 2023, rose to prominence with trainers Peter Bowen and Philip Hobbs and enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2006/07 with over 100 winners in that campaign.
The first of five Grade One successes came aboard Souffleur for Bowen in the 2007 Challow Novices’ Hurdle, while later in his career O’Brien would strike up a memorable partnership with Hobbs’ fan favourite Thyme Hill, landing the 2021 Liverpool Hurdle and 2022 Kauto Star Novices’ Chase.
O’Brien also rode Dream Alliance to his against-all-odds victory in the 2009 Welsh Grand National, a story which would inspire a Hollywood film called Dream Horse.
Speaking on the Nick Luck Daily Podcast, Johnson White – now co-trainer with Philip Hobbs, said: “You couldn’t get a harder working, nicer family man. I messaged Richard Johnson this morning and he sent a message back saying ‘life is so cruel’ and realistically you can’t say any more than that. He leaves a lovely wife Hayley, two wonderful boys and a loving family that were there with him until the end.
Writing on X, Sky Sports Racing broadcaster Mike Cattermole said: “Really saddened to hear about the passing of Tom O’Brien at 39. Obviously an excellent jockey but just a lovely guy, so gentle and humble. Thinking about all those who were close to him. Life is such a lottery.”